The debates, which aimed to promote good values amongst youths, were conducted in the English Language and followed the Austral-Asian format.

They were open to universities, colleges and sixth form students in Perak between the ages of 17 and 25.

This year’s programme was one with a difference. Firstly, all arguments had to be supported by sound statements of human values. Secondly, all participants including teacher advisors, were required to do community service prior to the debate.

The service project was carried out at the Batu Gajah Handicapped Children’s home. Participants carried out gotong royong activities including cleaning the home and compound, washing cooking utensils, and bathing and dressing the inmates.

The aim was to enhance awareness on the importance of service to the less fortunate.

The first preliminary round, held at Olympia College, saw students debating on the topic “Juveniles should be charged as adults for violent crimes committed”.

The topic for the second preliminary round was “It is morally wrong to place our parents in care centres”, while the semi-finals saw students arguing that “Poverty in the third world is the fault of the first world”.

The grand finals pitched SMK Methodist ACS, Ipoh, against Institute Perguruan Ipoh on the topic “Global warming is avoidable”. Both teams were very vocal.

Among the 300 people present was Perak State Education Department deputy director Mohd Yasin Mohamod, who gave away the prizes.